WASHINGTON — The House voted Thursday to let the Defense Department repeal the ban on gay and bisexual people from serving openly in the military, a major step toward dismantling the 1993 law widely known as “don’t ask, don’t tell.”

The provision would allow military commanders to repeal the ban. The repeal would permit gay men and lesbians to serve openly in the military for the first time.

It was adopted as an amendment to the annual Pentagon policy bill, which the House is expected to vote on Friday. The repeal would be allowed 60 days after a Pentagon report is completed on the ramifications of allowing openly gay service members, and military leaders certify that it would not be disruptive. The report is due by Dec. 1.

The House vote was 234 to 194, with 229 Democrats and 5 Republicans in favor, after an emotionally charged debate. Opposed were 168 Republicans and 26 Democrats.

How does Congress repeal an EXECUTIVE defense directive? Furthermore, will Congress remove Article 125 from the UCMJ outlawing sodomy? From above, it seems that Congress will allow military commanders to repeal the restriction, instead of writing a law allowing homosexuals to openly serve. So, will the policies be those of individual CO’s? Where can I find a text of the bill? Haven’t seen even a summary?

Also, I notice that it is dependent upon the military review? Why didn’t they just wait until the review was finished? I think that this is yet another “gotcha” vote to show their base that the evil Republicans don’t deserve a vote. Fair enough politics. But lousy law making.

Either repeal it outright on principle or justify why it should stay DADT. But, because of Art. 125, homosexuals will still be at greater risk because that is the very definition of the sexual relationship they have.

Flake, while more fiscally conservative than most Republicans, is still a solid social conservative. I’m not surprised he voted “no” on it. He co-sponsored the anti-gay-marriage amendment a few years ago too.

[...] One of the more interesting facts from last night’s vote on repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell is the fact that Ron Paul, who had previously stated he favored keeping the policy in place, ended up being on one of only five Republicans to vote in favor of repeal. [...]